Kevin Fetterman, Division Chief, Division 4
Division Chief Kevin Fetterman was first introduced to the fire service in high school—an experience that became a lifelong calling devoted to serving others in their most critical moments.
“Being a firefighter is all I ever wanted to be. It has taught me over the years the value of selfless service and giving back to the community.”
“Our leadership has also nurtured a sense of drive that has made me focus on framing my life as always trying to be better.”
Chief Fetterman strives to grow in every role—firefighter, father, husband, and friend.
As a father, he and his wife support their daughter’s passion for equestrian riding.
“Watching her excel at what she loves gives us deep satisfaction and happiness.”
Some of his favorite memories come from when his daughter visited the station as a child.
“My daughter was only 3 or 4 at the time, and she was so happy to be at the fire station and to see me. Those are the memories that stick with you.”
He also finds fulfillment in fostering puppies for Guide Dogs of America.
“These dogs go on to be guides for the visually impaired, or to assist children with autism or veterans with PTSD,” he explains.
“While it is incredibly difficult to give the puppies back, it is equally as rewarding to be part of such an amazing program.”
After long, arduous shifts, time with loved ones matters most on Father’s Day.
“I know Father’s Day is supposed to be about the father, but it has always meant an opportunity to spend dedicated time with my family. It’s just that simple—dedicated time together.”
Brett Cowdell, Administrative Captain, Division 4
Captain Cowdell’s road to the fire service began long before he put on the uniform—starting with a summer job that ignited his passion for helping others.
“I was a lifeguard at the beach, and I loved serving the public. I loved having the opportunity to rescue struggling swimmers and potentially save lives,” he says.
“Many of the lifeguards transitioned into a life of public service in the police and fire departments. After college, so did I.”
Looking back, Captain Cowdell is certain he chose the right path.
“Being a firefighter is very special to me. I love the job. I love feeling like I get to make a difference each day to someone who has an emergency. I love feeling good about what we get to accomplish every day. It makes me a better man.”
Another admirable aspect of Captain Cowdell is his commitment to living out the example set by his father.
“My dad passed away about 10 years ago, and I miss him,” he says.
“Every year on Father’s Day, I think of him and try to be more like him, so that my kids will remember me as fondly as I remember my dad.”
Captain Cowdell strikes a work-life balance by sharing his profession with his kids. When his son turned 14, he had the rare opportunity to ride along on calls—a moment that would leave a lasting impression on both.
“I will never forget it. Watching him beam with pride as I responded to 911 calls, driving with lights and sirens, and him in the back seat is something I will always remember.”
Alberto Acosta, Fire Captain, Station 10
As a firefighter, no two days are ever the same, and Father’s Day is no exception. For Captain Acosta, the holiday often unfolds in unexpected ways.
“Father’s Day is a quiet kind of celebration. Sometimes I’m on shift, sometimes I’m home. But either way, it’s a reminder of the two most important jobs I’ve got: protecting my community and being there for my son and family,” he says.
“And in the end, they’re not all that different. Both mean showing up, being strong when it counts, and loving with everything you’ve got.”
Firefighting’s unpredictability and demands can be physically and emotionally draining. Balancing the demands of both his personal and professional life isn’t easy, but Captain Acosta remains committed to giving his all—both at the firehouse and at home.
“Firefighting isn’t your typical 9-to-5—it’s long shifts, overnights, missed holidays, and getting called in when the city needs you most. You don’t clock out mentally. Some of the stuff we see out there stays with you. But I’ve learned that being present when I am home makes all the difference. Being present for my son is important.”
For Captain Acosta, creating lasting memories with his son is a responsibility he holds close to his heart—especially knowing, from daily experience, how fragile and precious life can be.
“You hug your kids tighter. You listen more. You show up to the baseball games and the school plays, even if you're running on three hours of sleep after a rough shift,” he says.
“Because those are the moments that matter. Firefighting made me a protector. Fatherhood made me a nurturer.”
Trevor Lazar, Fire Captain, Station 10
A career in the fire service felt only natural to Captain Trevor Lazar—shaped by childhood memories of watching family members serve with a sense of quiet heroism that left a lasting impact.
“It’s something I’ve felt a passion for since I was a kid. My dad was a firefighter for 40 years, and I always looked up to him. I remember him leaving for work, knowing he was going out to help people. I wanted to be just like him.”
“But it wasn’t just my dad,” he continues. “My great-grandfather, my grandfather, my dad, and my uncle were all firefighters. Now, my three brothers and I are proud to follow in their footsteps, becoming 4th generation firefighters, which means a lot to us.”
Captain Lazar views firefighting as much more than just a job.
“It’s a way of life, with an opportunity to help people on their worst days and make a difference. Every time I put on the uniform, I feel proud not just to carry on my family’s legacy but to do something I truly love.”
With a son of his own, Father’s Day holds special meaning for Captain Lazar.
“It’s a chance to reflect on how important it is to be a good role model and mentor for him. It reminds me of my responsibility to be there for him, teach him, guide him through life,” he says.
“Father’s Day means everything to me. It’s a reminder of the greatest honor I’ll ever have—being a dad. My son is my greatest purpose, my greatest blessing, and every day with him is my greatest gift.”
Jereme Lazar, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Station 10
For many firefighter fathers, the decision to serve has family ties. Jereme Lazar, inspired by his own father, was eager to carry on the legacy.
“He spent almost 40 years in the fire service, and has been teaching future firefighters for even longer,” Jereme recalls.
“Growing up visiting him at the firehouse and seeing the brotherhood and sisterhood in the fire service, I knew that it was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Witnessing the selfless sacrifices of the 343 firefighters on 9/11 further solidified his determination to follow in their footsteps.
Now working in the family business, Jereme faces many of the same challenges shared by fellow firefighter dads—especially time spent away from loved ones.
“Sometimes it can extend to over two weeks away when we have a lot of wildland fires burning, which we have been experiencing quite a bit here in Southern California,” he explains.
“I’m married, and we have 3 young children. They are at the age where they don't fully understand why I am gone when I am.”
Despite the challenges, Jereme cherishes every moment with his family, especially on Father’s Day.
“Father’s Day, to me, is a day to reflect on how proud I am to be the dad to my three kids,” he says. “It is also a day to appreciate my father, who played, and continues to play, such a vital role in my life.”
“Tomorrow is no guarantee, and life can change in a heartbeat. Knowing and accepting that, I try my best to cherish every moment I have with my kids and my wife.”